Appointed by the Federal Parliamentary Assembly in November 2018, Meaza Ashenafi served as the first female President of the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia. Her tenure, which concluded on 17 January 2023, represents a significant period in the national judiciary, following a career spanning legal practice, activism, and international institutional advisory roles within her home country.
Academic Background and Early Career
Born on 25 July 1964 in Asosa, Meaza completed her primary and secondary education in the same region. She subsequently pursued legal studies at Addis Ababa University, where she earned a Bachelor of Laws. Her educational path later included an M.A. in international relations and gender studies from the University of Connecticut. Early professional experience included serving as a judge for the Federal Supreme Court between 1989 and 1992, followed by a role as a legal adviser to the Ethiopian Constitution Commission in 1993.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Advocacy and Institutional Contributions
In 1995, she co-founded the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association alongside Atsedeweine Tekle and Maria Yusuf. Serving as the organization's executive director, she utilized legal networks to advocate for legislative reform. By 2002, her efforts included oversight of a team of approximately 45 graduate lawyers. Additionally, she contributed to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and assisted in establishing Enat Bank, serving as the chair of its board of directors as of 2016.
Public Policy and Judicial Leadership
Meaza has addressed social attitudes regarding gender, specifically critiquing Amharic proverbs that characterize women as inherently weak or confined to domestic roles. She remained in this office for four years before submitting her resignation alongside vice president Solomon Areda in early 2023. Her seat was subsequently filled by Tewdros Mihret.
Recognition and Public Profile
Her legal work gained international visibility, particularly through the 2014 film Difret, which depicted one of her notable cases. Produced by Angelina Jolie, the film secured the World Cinematic Dramatic Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.
Fast facts
- Born: 25 July 1964, Asosa
- Nationality: Ethiopia
- Alma Mater: Addis Ababa University, University of Connecticut
- Spouse: Araya Asfaw
- Key Organization: Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association
- Judicial Role: President of the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia (2018–2023)
- Related Film: Difret (2014)
Questions readers ask
What is Meaza Ashenafi's academic background?
She holds an LL.B. from Addis Ababa University and an M.A. from the University of Connecticut.
Did Meaza Ashenafi work in the private banking sector?
Yes, she was involved in the development of Enat Bank and chaired its board of directors in 2016.
.jpg)
